Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony is a sacrament uniting one man and one woman to each other and to God for the sake of the salvation of their own souls and to help share in Christ’s mission in the world.

A God-inspired unity of self-sacrifice

Holy Marriage is not merely a human commitment or a contract between two parties. It is a God inspired unity of self-sacrifice. Just like every sacrament, its goal is to get us to heaven. When a couple gets married they are promising God and the other to do everything in their power to get their spouse to heaven. This is the purpose and the number one responsibility of marriage.

Many people think, “I better get married, because I am not holy enough, or smart enough, or patient enough… etc. to be a priest, or to be a religious brother or sister.” It is important to remember that marriage is no cake walk either, just ask anyone who is married. They will tell you that holy marriage is hard work. It takes a lot of sacrifice, patience, self-reflection and humility… doesn’t that sound a lot like holiness?

A vocation under attack

The vocation that is most under attack in the world today seems to be Holy Matrimony. There is growing lack of understanding of the beautiful complimentary of the sexes that exist in God making us male and female. An increased desire for personal pursuit and achievement over mutual sacrifice and a general fear of commitment both contribute to this loss of understanding of the dignity of marriage. We forget how much impact each marriage can have not only on its members but upon the church as whole. The world is better for having the witness of a marriage lived well to inspire those around them, and God willing if they have children, the world is enriched by their love made flesh.